Community Support Specialist

Goodwill - Westbrook, ME

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Westbrook, ME

Social Assistance

About the position

Goodwill Northern New England is seeking Community Support Specialists (CSS) to join our LifeWorks Day Program in Westbrook, Maine. This role is essential in providing skills training to participants, focusing on independent living, work readiness, relationship building, self-advocacy, and health. As a CSS, you will engage with participants in various activities, such as coordinating arts and crafts, teaching coping skills, assisting with cooking, and empowering individuals to become more independent. Your work will make a significant positive impact on the lives of those you support, helping them to thrive and achieve their personal goals. In this position, you will be responsible for implementing service plans that include hands-on support and direct teaching in critical areas such as interpersonal skills, financial management, personal care, and access to community services. You will also be tasked with moderating verbal or emotional incidents using intervention techniques that prioritize the dignity and safety of the service recipients. Documentation is a key part of the role, and you will be required to complete all necessary paperwork in accordance with program standards while maintaining all required certifications. As a representative of Goodwill, you will interact with other community members and the public, supporting our vision of creating sustainable communities through the full participation of diverse residents. This role also aligns with our organizational commitment to integrating social, economic, and environmental goals into our planning and actions, ensuring that we achieve triple bottom line results.

Responsibilities

• Provide skills training in independent living, work readiness, relationship building, self-advocacy, and health.
• Coordinate activities such as arts and crafts and cooking classes for participants.
• Moderate verbal or emotional incidents using appropriate intervention techniques.
• Complete all required documentation following program standards.
• Maintain all required certifications related to the position.
• Represent the agency positively in interactions with the community and the public.
• Support the agency's vision of creating sustainable communities.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record is necessary.
• Reliable transportation and automobile insurance that meets state requirements.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check that meets agency and state standards.
• Demonstrated ability to complete required certifications on time.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods and perform tasks involving reaching, bending, stretching, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds and push 175 pounds.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Mental health experience when applicable.
• Training relevant to the program such as A.CRMA, B. First Aid/CPR, C.NAPPI, D. College of Direct Support, E. Defensive Driving.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered.
• 403(b) retirement plan with Employer Match.
• Employer Paid Short & Long Term Disability.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan.
• Paid Holidays.
• 30% Employee discount at Goodwill stores in ME, NH & VT.
• Exceptional career growth opportunities.
• Discount on personal cell phone plans.
• Local community discounts.
• Supportive coworkers and team environment.